Page 3 of Some Like It Scandalous (Going Royal #2)
She sucked her lower lip between her teeth.
Why give up one lofty, worthwhile project for another?
She’d struggled with the decision for a month after submitting her application.
“Hart House doesn’t need me to succeed anymore.
We have a fantastic array of directors, city managers and political support.
My assistant director handled most of the day-to-day operations and she can and will manage it beautifully.
I’m not averse to hard work and this scholarship program—the whole basis of the foundation—needs people who believe in the system of success it can provide.
Who know it can be more than just a dream or a fairytale. ”
“Of course.” He sounded…disappointed. He released her gaze and looked down at his desk. “You want to it to be real. Real work. Real commitment. Real results.”
“Yes. And if that means twenty-four seven, three hundred and sixty-five days a year until we can provide a hundred or more students with the launching pad they need—then that’s what it will be.
” Believing in the program was not her issue.
Passion for a cause was what she brought to the table, a fervent desire for success added a crucial element to any enterprise.
When desire faded or it didn’t need her attention to continue, then it was time to go.
The prince nodded slowly. “Very well…you have the papers with you regarding nonprofit allocations and grant status?”
The shifting gears and the cooler tone unsettled her more. “Yes, but if you are relocating the fund under the Dagmar Foundation, they’ll have to be redrafted.”
“I am aware.” He smiled, but no happiness or pleasure reflected in his eyes. “I will pass those grants to our legal department. They can make the required amendments.”
Anna frowned. “I would prefer to handle that myself. Granted, I’ll need to be up to speed on the foundation, but the best presentations come from a knowledgeable director. I can highlight the benefits and I’m deep in the drafting of our position papers right now.”
He leaned back against the desk, curling his hands against the edge and studying her. “How much do you know about the Dagmar Foundation?”
She swallowed. “Not much, honestly.”
“Intriguing. It is one of the largest benefactors in the United States and the European Union. I believe we’ve provided grants to Hart House on at least three occasions.
” His mouth tightened, but his voice remained even—deep, husky and compelling.
When he added a true smile to that sexy come-hither voice he could rule the world.
“I wasn’t aware of that.” Liar.
He lifted his eyebrows skeptically.
She sighed and dropped her gaze, looking at the carpet near his shoes. The polished wing tips looked uncomfortable and a far cry from the muddy, stained sneakers he raced around campus in. “All right, yes, I was aware of it. I approved the applications for the grants.”
“Approved, but you did not write them.” Was that another hint of disappointment?
“No. I didn’t. My assistant director believed the Dagmar Foundation’s alcoholic recovery program made for a good match, particularly when we added AA meetings and counselors to our different homes in a bid to combat drug and alcohol abuse in the recovering families.
All told, I believe the foundation provided four point six million dollars in grants to help us launch. ”
“And you know this without referring to your notes?” He canted his head to the right, studying her with a fresh gleam of interest. She accepted the attention, refusing to look away.
“I can tell you the dates if you like. I remember when the whales are landed because of the help they provide.” Distance. They needed firm boundaries and distance. Charlie’s just the figurehead who signs checks…
“Interesting analogy.” He turned and leaned over to press a button on the desk. “Gretchen, please cancel my appointments for the rest of the week and pencil Miss Novak in.”
“Yes, Your Highness. You have the event on Friday…”
Anna opened her mouth to refuse the non-invitation to spend an entire week with him. One hour killed her. She wouldn’t survive the week. He frowned at the secretary’s response, however, and Anna held her tongue.
“Get me a second ticket. Miss Novak can accompany me.”
“Hey…” She crossed her arms. “I have a full schedule this week?—”
“And you can amend it. You need to be brought up to speed on the foundation if you plan to redraft those applications and they’re due in ten days. So, we have a week to get you everything you need.” High-handed and dictatorial manner aside, he wasn’t wrong.
It irked her.
“Fine, then set me up with someone in your legal department. I’ll have a lot of questions and need specific details that only someone who handles the day-to-day affairs can…
” She trailed off, because he smiled. Her heart did a little flip-flop in her chest, because the smile stripped away the years and catapulted her back to when he’d asked her out.
After following her from class to the library to her first job and later her second—every single day for a week—he’d worn down her resistance and always asked with that smile.
It disrupted her neurons and turned her into a quivering mass of feminine need.
She sucked in a deep breath and shoved the memory away.
“I am the best person for the job. I have been in charge of the foundation for ten years and I’ve spent the last five as managing director.
” He pushed away from the desk. “You need the best resources and the best opportunities to make the Alyxandretta scholarship fly. I can give it wings. But…it’s your choice. ”
He circled the desk. “Unfortunately, we can’t begin today. So, if you’ll see yourself out, I’ll expect you at nine a.m. tomorrow. If you’re not here, I’ll assume the scholarship fund will need a new director. Good day.”
Dismissed, she stood there and floundered for a moment. He flipped open his laptop and didn’t look at her at all. She moistened her lips and picked up her things. She wanted to say something else, but the words tasted like ash on her tongue.
“Your Highness.” It sounded lame to her ears, but it was the best she could manage.
Her hand was on the door handle when he spoke again. “You can call me Charlie, Anna.”
Pain eviscerated her and she closed her eyes, grateful he couldn’t see her face. “No, Your Highness, I can’t. Charlie was a lie, and I would prefer that we keep this professional.”
He sighed, but she pulled the door open and strode down the hallway. Security could close it behind her. The art on the walls wavered through the sheen of tears in her eyes. She held it together all the way to the elevator. Once inside, she spared a look at the camera and locked her expression.
It’s all for the kids. I can do this.